Monday, September 12, 2016

NEW SHORT STORY IN 'BAD APPLES 3'

I have been a fan of the halloween-themed Bad Apples anthologies since the great group of writers put out the first edition.  Over the last two years, more than one of the stories has been long-listed for Bram Stoker Consideration, and last year's edition featured Kealan Patrick Burke. Seeing the cover is as sure a sign of autumn as pumpkin spice latte and that insane neighbor of yours who over-rakes his front lawn until it is completely spotless and devoid of leaves. (Me? i just mulch the mother-fuckers a couple of times and let the dead leaves fertilize the ground for future generations).

I was incredibly honored when I got an invite to submit to Bad Apples 3.  Incredibly honored. My brain started churning fast and furious about what to write.   

What might be the most unusual treat you could get on Halloween night?  How does the pagan holiday fit with traditional catholics who, as opposed to lining up outside someone's house at night to get a Kit-Kat, line up in front of a priest each Sunday at communion to get a waiver which is the body of Christ? 

I wrote my story, Body of Christ, every night for weeks. I probably wrote 20k words for what turned into a 8k story. As most things I've written, soon enough it became an obsession, which required a few explanations to my wife, "Look, these Light Brother dudes invited me to submit. They invited Me? can you believe it? I have to nail this, or I'll never get another invitation again and my life will be meaningless."

Incredibly happy to report that, while my life may still be meaningless, my story was accepted and is sandwiched inside this great list of writers.  Perhaps the most bizarre and transgressive thing I've written to date.

Do check out Bad Apples 3. 


Thursday, September 1, 2016

COVER REVEAL AND SUBMISSIONS OPEN FOR "GARDEN OF FIENDS"

Submissions open today for Garden of Fiends: Tales of Addiction Horror.  The project has been a dream of mine, and I've created a small team of folks to help me, including cover artist Zach McCain who has done a fabulous job. Here is the cover, author names and wrap around picture and text for the paperback to follow:



The anthology will focus on longer works, primarily 4-5 novella length pieces, with a few shorter works included by invitation. For more information, check out the initial call for submissions here:

The interest has been overwhelming already, and before it is over, I am quite sure I will wish I could make an encyclopedia of addiction horror.  

Reminder: Stories need to have a clear and obvious addiction theme or setting. (once again: Further explanation here. )


Pay Rates and Structure:
$500 will be paid via paypal for your story, which amounts to approximately .3¢ per word at the low end word count, .2¢ per word at the high end. Three contributor copies will be shipped to your doorstep by a person in uniform. 

Submission guidelines:
16k to 25k words.
Multiple submissions okay, simultaneous admissions okay but make it clear you’ve submitted elsewhere. Submissions should be polished and not need major editing. Standard 12 point, single space, Times New Roman. Word document. Nothing fancy. 

Please put Garden of Fiends Submission, Name of story, authors last name, and word count in the subject line.  Include a short description or teaser in the body of the email, as well as author bio, publishing history, and any links of interest.

Confirmation of receipt of your submission within 72 hours of submission. 

Approximate Time frames:
Announcement: August 1st.
Submissions accepted: September 1st to January 1st, 2017 
Notice of acceptance and contracts sent: by February 1st, 2017 

Inquiries, questions; contact: WickedRunPress@gmail.com


**based on submissions, the structure of the anthology is subject to change, but final terms provided in the contract**

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